A Celebration of Fright Flicks Old and New, Mainstream and Obscure (with the occasional civilian film tossed in as well)

Friday, June 7, 2013

MONSTER ON THE CAMPUS (1958) movie review

Monster on the Campus (1958) d. Arnold, Jack (USA)

While experimenting with a prehistoric fish, mild-mannered university professor Arthur Franz inadvertently learns that contact with the creature’s gamma-radiated fluids has numerous unfortunate side effects, resulting in savage German Shepherds, oversized mosquitoes and murderous Neanderthals. What’s not to like?

Often cited as a big black mark on sci-fi veteran Arnold’s resume, this sci-fi twist on the Jekyll/Hyde-lycanthropy tale turns out to be much more entertaining than it has any right to be. The biggest hindrances here are the rushed, attempt-at-pathos ending and Joanna Moore’s one-note performance as Franz’s girlfriend – until she starts getting carried off by prehistoric paramours, that is. Then the screams flow like Paleolithic waters.

About Me

Well, during the day I move among you as mild-mannered Aaron Christensen, Chicago actor. But at night, when the popcorn pops full, I transform into my alternate personality Dr. AC, hopeless horror movie nerd-cum-Ambassador of Horror.
However, despite my inclination to discuss monsters that pervade, aliens that invade, creatures of the night, vampires that bite...I'm actually the nicest guy you'll ever meet.